Ahhhhhh....

In all the craziness and over-committment that is currently my life, this past weekend was an amazing spiritual recharge.

Despite the fact that it was an insanely busy weekend, it was well worth it. Seeing family (both blood and chosen) can do wonders for the soul.

On Friday, I spent several hours at a hot springs in the mountains. The weather was chilly, rainy, and absolutely perfect for people soup. There's something remarkably freeing in the act of shedding your clothes and cares and sitting naked in a pool of hot water with some of your dearest friends and complete strangers. I know it may sound odd to many, but it is one of my favorite excursions when I go home. There were only two things that could have made it better: one, to stay for more than a few hours; and two, snow.

I got to see pretty much everyone I wanted to, and then some. Sitting around with some of my most treasured friends and laughing does my heart good. Sure, we are 20 years older than when we first met, and we regale each other with the same old stories, but we still laugh. Actually, I think "laugh" is an understatement for our reaction to the stories. But everything old is new again. The day after our little soiree, I was hoarse and my sides were sore. Well worth it; I'd do it again in a nanosecond.

Monday, I returned to the city where I currenly hang my hat, only to hit the ground running and be back at work that afternoon. So much to do, so little time. Curricula to write, shows to prep, bills to pay... I sound like an old Cat Stevens song, don't I? (The cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon, Little Boy Blue and the Man in the Moon...)

As I sit here, I realize that I am gloriously and guiltlessly wasting time, with my responsibilites piling up around me. So off I go to catch planes, pay bills, and look fondly forward to the next time I can sit naked with strangers, laugh until my sides hurt, and enjoy the company of those whose friendship means so much to me.